Flanders is becoming increasingly popular as a tourist destination. In 2025, an estimated 15.4 million people visited the region, marking a 3% increase compared to 2024, according to provisional figures from Visit Flanders (Toerisme Vlaanderen). The number of overnight stays also rose to 36.3 million.

These figures align with a broader national trend. Across Belgium, tourist accommodation recorded a record 46.1 million overnight stays in 2025, up 3% year-on-year, with nearly two-thirds (63%) taking place in Flanders, underlining the region’s dominant position within the Belgian tourism landscape.

“It is an extremely positive development that Flanders continues to grow as a tourist destination, especially for our hospitality sector and its thousands of entrepreneurs. We have so much to offer, from our vibrant coast to our outstanding museums. There is something for everyone. It is important that all Flemings can also enjoy this. That is why, in the coming period, I will continue to invest in affordable holidays within our own region. That is a win-win”, said Flemish Minister of Tourism Hans Bonte (Vooruit).

Steady growth across all markets

Visitor numbers increased both domestically and internationally. In 2025, Flanders welcomed 7 million domestic tourists (+2%), alongside 8.3 million international visitors (+3%).

Neighbouring countries continue to dominate international tourism. The Netherlands remains the largest source market with 1.9 million visitors, followed by Germany (1.1 million) and France (1 million).

Other key markets also show stable growth. The United Kingdom accounted for 745,000 arrivals, while the United States brought 467,000 visitors, underlining Flanders’ strong position in both European and global tourism.

Southern European markets are also expanding, led by Italy and Greece (both +10%), followed by Portugal (+8%) and Spain (+3%). Long-haul markets continue to recover, with Canada (+6%, nearly 75,000 visitors), China (+10%, 111,000 visitors) and Japan (+6%) all showing renewed growth.

Coastal tourism remains domestic, cities draw international visitors

Visitor patterns vary significantly by region. Belgian visitors predominantly favour the coast, where nearly three in four visitors are domestic. By contrast, international tourists are mainly drawn to the cultural cities of Antwerp, Ghent, Bruges, Leuven, and Mechelen, where around two-thirds of visitors come from abroad.

At provincial level, West Flanders remains the most visited destination with 4.3 million arrivals, followed by the province of Antwerp (2.7 million). Limburg, Flemish Brabant and East Flanders each recorded approximately 1.5 million visitors.

Accommodation trends across Belgium

Hotels remained the most popular type of accommodation nationwide, accounting for 21.4 million overnight stays (around 46% of the total), although growth in this segment was relatively modest at +2%. The strongest increase was recorded at campsites, where overnight stays rose by 11%, representing roughly 8% of all stays.

Overall, Belgium recorded 19.6 million tourist arrivals, with visitors staying an average of just over two nights. The figures include not only leisure travel but also business-related trips such as conferences and seminars.

Attractions and museums remain key drivers

Flemish museums and attractions welcomed a combined 27.4 million visitors in 2025, an increase of 0.9%. Just under 40% of visits were to outdoor attractions such as amusement parks, zoos, and recreational or nature parks. Museums alone attracted 6.8 million visitors, with attendance at government-subsidised museums continuing to rise.

The most popular attractions remain Plopsaland De Panne, St Bavo’s Cathedral in Ghent, and canal cruises in Bruges.

“Our tourism continues to grow, and that is a huge boost for our hospitality sector and entrepreneurs. Both domestically and abroad, we are able to charm more and more people with our extensive tourist offerings”, Bonte said.

He added that the focus going forward will be on affordability: “What matters now is that we keep this offer accessible for vulnerable families as well, so they too can enjoy a day trip or a weekend away.”

Some tourism statistics

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